Staff CHRISTIAN SCHLECT President  A graduate of Washington State University and the Gonzaga School of Law, Mr. Schlect has worked for the NHC since 1980.  He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and American Agricultural Law Association. Boards and committees: United Fresh Produce Association (Government Relations Council); National Council of Agricultural Employers (Executive Committee); U.S. Apple Association (Public Affairs Committee); Minor Crop Farmer Alliance (chairman); Crop Protection Coalition (Board of Directors); Washington State China Relations Council (Board of Directors); Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports (Executive Committee); Tree-Fruit Technical Advisory Council (secretary); Washington Apple Education Foundation (Counselors Rountable); Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC); and National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition (Board of Directors). MARK POWERS Vice President Mr. Powers accepted employment with the NHC in 1999.  The principal focus of his position is on international trade policy and general transportation issues. Mr. Powers is a graduate of Grinnell College (Iowa) with a B.A. in Spanish and Environmental Studies and a Masters of International Management from The American Graduate School of International Management (Arizona). Boards and committees:  Agriculture Transportation Coalition (Board of Advisors); Fruits and Vegetables Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC) (chairman); and Washington State Department of Agriculture (International Marketing Advisory Committee). MICHAEL J. WILLETT Vice President for Scientific Affairs Dr. Willett came to work at the NHC in 1996 as Technical Issues Manager.  In 2001, he was promoted to his current position where his major responsibilities involve issues related to crop protection, food safety and phytosanitary/trade.  Dr. Willett is a graduate of Michigan State University and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Horticulture from Washington State University. Boards and committees:  U.S. Apple Association (Science Advisory Subcommittee); North American Plant Protection Organization (U.S. Industry Advisory Group); Tree-Fruit Technical Advisory Council (Steering Committee); and, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (ex-officio member). DEBORAH CARTER Technical Issues Manager Ms. Carter joined the NHC as its Technical Issues Manager in January 2006.  The focus of her position is a range of policy issues related to regulatory affairs and research.  Ms. Carter is a graduate of Ohio Dominican College with a B.S. in Chemistry. Boards and committees:  Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety & Health Center (External Advisory Committee); and WSU-Prosser Food & Environmental Quality Laboratory Advisory Board (vice-chairman). CHERYL LATENDRESSE Office Manager Ms. Latendresse has worked at the NHC since 1981. Northwest Horticultural Council 105 South 18th Street, Suite 105 Yakima, Washington 98901, USA Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615 E-mail general@nwhort.org